Quick-detach accessory base mount for an accessory rail

ABSTRACT

In some aspects a quick-detach (QD) accessory base mount includes a body. The body includes an accessory engagement interface configured to engage an accessory and a rail engagement interface defining a channel adapted to receive an accessory rail. A rail clamp is carried by the body and is moveable to selectively clamp the body to the accessory rail. A mounting arm extends outwardly from the body and is carried to rotate relative to the body between a first position and a second position. A cam is configured to support the rail clamp to grip the accessory rail and to clamp the body to the accessory rail when the mounting arm is in the first position and to release the rail clamp from gripping the accessory rail when the mounting arm is in the second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/923,044 entitled “Quick-Detach Accessory Base Mount for An AccessoryRail” filed on Jun. 20, 2013, the entire contents of which is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The specification relates to a quick-detach accessory base mount forrapid attachment/detachment of an accessory device to an accessory rail(“rail”). A rail is commonly used on a mounting apparatuses such asfirearms to provide a mounting platform for various accessory devices.Other mounting apparatuses, such as tripods, camera stands, and otherthings have these rails. Accessories often include cameras, opticalscopes, telescopes, lights, laser aiming/indicator modules, backupweapon sights, foregrips, bipods, and night-vision equipment.Attachment/detachment of an accessory attached withrigid-attachment-type methods, such as ring, bracket, and/or screwfasteners, can be time consuming and complicated due to a need for toolsand/or repetitive actions to perform the attachment/detachment of theaccessory from a mounting apparatus. Use of other attachment methods,such as a rotating surface that directly engages and secures anaccessory to a rail surface can, over time, chafe a rail's finish anddamage the rail.

SUMMARY

In a general aspect, an accessory base mount includes a cam-supportedrail clamp moveable to selectively clamp the accessory base mount to anaccessory rail (“rail”).

In some aspects, a quick-detach (QD) accessory base mount (“QD mount”)includes a body. The body includes an accessory engagement interfaceconfigured to engage an accessory and a rail engagement interfacedefining a channel adapted to receive a rail. A rail clamp is carried bythe body and is moveable to selectively clamp the body to the rail. Amounting arm extends outwardly from the body and is carried to rotaterelative to the body between a first position and a second position. Acam is configured to support the rail clamp to grip the rail and toclamp the body to the rail when the mounting arm is in the firstposition and to release the rail clamp from gripping the rail when themounting arm is in the second position.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Thecam comprises a first portion defined by the mounting arm and a secondportion defined by the rail clamp. The channel is defined by the body asa first wall and a second wall, the first wall comprising a firstengagement surface adapted to grip a first side of the rail and thesecond wall comprising a resting surface adapted to support a portion ofa second side of the rail. The rail clamp comprises a second engagementsurface adapted to grip the second side of the rail. The channel isnarrower at an end. The rail clamp is springily biased in an ungrippedposition.

Additionally or alternatively, these and other implementations mayinclude one or more of the following features. An interlock configuredto selectively restrict rotation of the mounting arm between the firstposition and the second position. The interlock comprising a depressibleinterlock button springily biased to extend outward from the body to aposition blocking rotation of the mounting arm between the firstposition and the second position and depressible to a position allowingrotation of the mounting arm between the first position and the secondposition.

Additionally or alternatively, these and other implementations mayinclude one or more of the following features. An interlock set screwcoupled to the depressible interlock button, the interlock set screwrotatable to adjust the outward extension of the depressible interlockbutton from the body. A preload screw coupled with a pivot shaft, thepivot shaft coupled with the mounting arm and the preload screwrotatable to adjust the outward extension of the mounting arm from thebody and a springily-biased position of the rail clamp.

Additionally or alternatively, these and other implementations mayinclude the following feature. A slot engagement bar for engaging with aslot configured into the rail to prevent lateral movement of the bodyalong an axis transverse to the slot.

Additionally or alternatively, these and other implementations mayinclude the following feature. The second portion of the cam comprises asurface configured to prohibit rotation of the mounting arm beyond atleast one rotational endpoint defined by the first position and thesecond position.

Additionally or alternatively, these and other implementations mayinclude one or more of the following features. A cam supports a railclamp to grip a rail when a mounting arm is in a first position and torelease the rail clamp when the mounting arm is in a second position.

Additionally or alternatively, these and other implementations mayinclude one or more of the following features. An interlock selectivelyrestricts rotation of the mounting arm between the first position andthe second position. A rail engagement interface receives the rail intoa channel narrower at one end. A cam configuration prohibits rotation ofthe mounting arm beyond rotational endpoints defined by the firstposition and the second position.

Additionally or alternatively, these and other implementations mayinclude one or more of the following features. A rail is gripped with arail clamp supported by a cam in response to rotation of a mounting armto a first position. The rail clamp is released in response to rotationof the mounting arm to a second position.

Additionally or alternatively, these and other implementations mayinclude one or more of the following features. Rotation of the mountingarm between the first and the second position is blocked using aninterlock. The rail is received into a rail engagement interface channelnarrower at one end. The cam is configured to prohibit rotation of themounting arm beyond rotational endpoints defined by the first positionand the second position.

Implementations of these and other aspects may include one or more ofthe following advantages. The QD mount can allow rapidattachment/detachment of accessories to a rail. Attachment can beextremely precise and preserve, for example, an optical scope zero, alaser aiming point, and backup weapon sight alignment. Operation of theQD mount can be performed with two fingers, for example a thumb andforefinger, and the operating hand used to grasp and remove the QD mountand attached accessory from the rail. The QD mount allows a preload tobe adjusted to compensate for mechanical tolerance variations betweendifferent type rails. The QD mount clamps to a rail with a squeezingaction without causing chafing of the rail finish caused by other QDmounts that apply a securing force to the rail using a surface that rubsagainst the rail. Other advantages will be apparent to those skilled inthe art.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter of thisspecification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of thesubject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings,and the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a quick-detach (QD) accessory base mount(“QD mount”) attached to an accessory rail on a firearm.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example QD mount with a clampingmechanism according to an implementation.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the example QD mount 200 ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a detail perspective view of a mounting arm cam surface ofthe example QD mount 200.

FIG. 4B is a detail perspective view of a rail clamp cam surface androtation prohibiting surface of the example QD mount 200.

FIG. 5A is a side view of the QD mount 200 with the mounting arm in afirst (gripping) position.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the QD mount 200 with the mounting arm in asecond (released) position.

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the QD mount 200 showing the position of therail clamp in relation to the mounting arm in the first (gripping)position.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the QD mount 200 showing the position of therail clamp in relation to the mounting arm in the second (released)position.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a mounted quick-detach (QD) accessory basemount 100 (“QD mount”). The QD mount 102 with an attached accessory 104is mounted to an accessory rail (“rail”) 106 which is attached to afirearm 108. In other implementations, the QD mount 102 can be attachedto a mounting apparatus other than a firearm 108 with a rail 106. Othermounting apparatuses can include a tripod, a fence, a building, or avehicle. The QD mount 102 acts as a mounting interface between anaccessory 104 and the rail 106.

The accessory 104 can be any type of device mounted on a particularmounting apparatus. For example, accessory 104 can include cameras,optical scopes, telescopes, lights, laser aiming/indicator modules,backup weapon sights, foregrips, bipods, and night-vision equipment.

A QD mount 102 can typically be attached/detached in a relatively quickmanner from a rail. Attachment/detachment is often performed through theuse of levers or thumbscrews.

For the purposes of this disclosure, a rail 106 is a structure, such asa bracket, for mounting an accessory to a mounting apparatus. In someimplementations, the rail 106 has a T-shaped cross-section with asmaller lower profile adjacent to a particular mounting apparatus (e.g.,firearm 108) and a larger upper profile apart from the mountingapparatus and adjacent to an accessory 104. In certain implementations,the T-shaped cross-section has a sloping/angled or curved surface thatspans between the smaller lower profile and the larger upper profile ofthe rail 106. Examples of a T-shaped rail 106 can include a WEAVER orPICATINNY (also known as a MIL-STD-1913, STANAG 2324, or “tactical”rail). In other implementations, the cross-section of rail 106 can beround, oval, square, rectangular, flat or other shape. In someimplementations, the rail 106 can be flexible, such as a rope/cable,flexible rod, or wire. In some implementations, a rail 106 can includeone or more spacing slots perpendicular to the length of the rail. Theone or more spacing slots can be used to engage a bar, pin, screw,protrusion, or the like associated with the QD mount 102 to preventlateral movement of the QD mount 102 along an axis transverse to theslot. In other implementations, friction can prevent movement of the QDmount 102 along the rail 106. Generally accessories are mounted to therail 106 either by sliding on from one end of the rail 106 or byattachment from the sides of the rail 106 and securing the QD mount 102using levers or thumbscrews to secure the QD mount to the rail 106.

In some implementations, QD mount 102 can be repetitively secured to therail 106 by a clamping mechanism that squeezes the rail to provide rapidattachment/detachment and precise/sturdy clamping of the QD mount 102 tothe rail 106 without chafing of the rail's 106 finish and/or otherdamage (such as gouging, scratching, etc.). The following descriptionrelates to an implementation of a QD mount 102 with such a clampingmechanism.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example QD mount 200 with a clampingmechanism according to an implementation. The QD mount 200 includes abody 202 defining a rail engagement interface 204 and an accessoryengagement interface 208.

The rail engagement interface 204 defines a channel in the body 202 toreceive a rail 106. The channel is defined by the body 202 as a firstwall 206 a and a second wall 206 b and is oriented parallel to thelength of the rail 106. The first wall 206 a defines a first engagementsurface 207 a adapted to grip a first side of a rail 106.

In the illustrated implementation, the first engagement surface 207 a isconfigured as a V-shaped, angled surface where the angle of the firstengagement surface 207 a matches the angles formed by the chamfers ofthe larger upper portion of a first side of rail 106 to grip the firstside of the rail 106. In other implementations, the first engagementsurface 207 a can be configured to grip other rail shapes, for example arail with curves, such as a round rod, or a rail with square sides.

The second wall 206 b defines a resting surface 207 b adapted to restagainst a portion of a second side of a rail 106. The resting surface207 b angle matches an angle of chamfer formed by the surface of thesecond side of the rail 106 that rests against the resting surface 207b. In some implementations, the angle formed by the surface of firstengagement surface 207 a adjacent to the surface 205 (refer to FIGS. 3and 6A/6B for detail as to surface 205) between the first wall 206 a andthe second wall 206 b is similar to the angle formed by the restingsurface 207 b relative to surface 205. The similarity of angles servesto equalize the loading force on the surface of the first engagementsurface 207 a adjacent to the surface 205 and the resting surface 207 b.Configurations of the rail engagement interface supporting a rail 106with dissimilar chamfer angles on the first and/or second side of therail 106 is also envisioned. A straight wall parallel to the first wall206 a is adjacent to the resting surface 207 b and does not contact thesecond side of the rail 106. In other implementations, resting surface207 b and/or the second engagement surface (see FIGS. 3 and 6A/B) isconfigured similar to the first engagement surface to grip other railshapes (described above).

The accessory engagement interface 208 is configured to engage anaccessory, for example accessory 104 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the accessory engagement interface 208 isconfigured as a groove forming parallel opposing walls. The accessoryengagement interface 208 groove is oriented parallel to the railengagement interface 204. The accessory engagement interface isillustrated with two screw holes 210. The accessory engagement interface208 receives an accessory interface and screws are threaded through thescrew holes 210 and into the accessory interface. The screws aretightened to secure the accessory interface to the body 202. In otherimplementations, the accessory engagement interface 208 can beconfigured in any manner to support various configurations of accessoryinterfaces.

As shown, the body 202 also carries a mounting arm 212 and rail clamp214. The mounting arm 212 extends outwardly from the body 202 and iscarried to rotate relative to the body 202 between a first position anda second position. The mounting arm 212 is configured to include apaddle-shaped structure to manipulate/rotate with a finger or otherobject. In other implementations, the mounting arm 212 can be configuredto form other shapes, for example a bar/lever or a thumbscrew-type twistattachment.

Rotation of the mounting arm 212 between the first position and thesecond position causes the rail clamp 214 to move inwardly toward theresting surface 207 b (gripped position) and outwardly away from theresting surface 207 b (ungripped position), respectively. The rail clamp214 forms a second engagement surface (see FIGS. 3 and 6A/B) to grip thesecond side of the rail 106.

A cam (see FIGS. 3 and 4A/B for additional detail) is configured tosupport the rail clamp 214 to selectively grip the second side of therail 106 and to clamp the body 202 to the rail 106 when the mounting arm212 is in the first position and to release the rail clamp 214 fromgripping the second side of the rail 106 when the mounting arm 212 is inthe second position.

The body also carries an interlock configured to selectively restrictrotation of the mounting arm 212 between the first and the secondposition. As shown, the interlock is configured as a cylindrical,depressible interlock button (“button”) 216, springily biased to extendoutward from the body 202 into a position blocking rotation of themounting arm 212 unless depressed to allow the mounting arm 212 torotate past the button 216. In other implementations, the interlock canhave various other configurations. For example, the interlock could be aball bearing springily biased outwardly from the body to restrictrotation of the mounting arm 212 unless sufficient rotational force onthe mounting arm 212 is applied to overcome the spring bias of the ballbearing or the ball bearing is depressed. Other interlock configurationscould include, for example, a springily biased pin, lever, or otherstructure to restrict rotational motion of the mounting arm 212. In someimplementations, the illustrated button 216 could have a portion of the“top” edge of the front surface milled away at an angle to allow themounting arm 212 to be rotated to the first position without a separatepositive action to depress the button 216. In this implementation, themounting arm 212 would depress the button 216 as it contacts the angledsurface configured into the button 216 and the button would lock into anoutward biased position once the mounting arm 212 cleared the button216. Rotation of the mounting arm 212 back to the second position wouldrequire a positive action to depress the button 216 in order to allowthe mounting arm 212 to clear the button 216 and to rotate into thesecond position. Operation of the mounting arm 212 and the button 216 isdesigned to be typically performed with one hand allowing for rapidattachment/detachment of the QD mount 200 from a rail 106.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view 300 of the example QD mount 200of FIG. 2. The illustrated exploded QD mount 200 includes a slotengagement bar 302, a mounting arm assembly, and an interlock assembly.

The slot engagement bar 302 is integrally formed from the body 202 intoa rectangular shape of a size to engage with a slot formed into a rail106. When engaged with the rail 106 slot, the slot engagement bar 302prevents lateral movement of the QD mount 200 on the rail 106 along anaxis transverse to the slot. In other implementations, the slotengagement bar can be a separately formed component that is attached tothe QD mount 200, for example by pinning, welding, adhesive, or thelike. In other implementations, the slot engagement bar can be omittedfrom QD mount 200.

The mounting arm assembly includes a mounting arm 212, a pivot shaft213, a rail clamp 214, a rail clamp bias spring 304, a preload screw306, and a preload grub screw 308. The mounting arm 212 is coupled witha pivot shaft 213. In some implementations, the mounting arm 212 can beintegrally formed as part of the mounting arm 212. In otherimplementations, the mounting arm 212 can be attached to the pivot shaft213 by means of a pin, threading, a weld, adhesive, or in some othermanner. The illustrated pivot shaft 213 is shown threaded at the endopposite to the mounting arm 212. The preload screw 306 threads onto thepivot shaft 213 at the threaded end of the pivot shaft 213 opposite themounting arm 212. The rail clamp 214 receives the pivot shaft 213. Thepivot shaft 213 passes through the rail clamp bias spring 304. Themounting arm assembly slot 310 in body 202 receives the pivot shaft intoa hole formed through the body (indicated by a dashed witness line), andthe preload screw 306 attached to the pivot shaft in pivot shaft hole311 (indicated by a dashed witness line).

The rail clamp bias spring 304 engages the mounting arm assembly slot310 on one side and the underside of the rail clamp 214 on the otherside and provides an outward spring bias toward the mounting arm 212(ungripped position). The mounting arm assembly slot 310 limits the railclamp bias spring 403 from traveling along the pivot shaft 213 into thebody 202. For example, a hole for the pivot shaft 213 formed in themounting arm assembly slot 310 can be configured to conform to the pivotshaft 213 to permit pivot shaft 213 rotation but to prevent the railclamp bias spring 304 from travelling along the pivot shaft 213 beyondthe formed hole for the pivot shaft 213. In some implementations, therail clamp 214 can have an indentation, cutout, or other structure tomore securely hold the rail clamp bias spring 304.

The preload grub screw hole 309 (indicated by a dashed witness line)receives the preload grub screw 308. Preload grub screw hole 309 isconfigured to allow the preload grub screw 308 to physically rotatebetween an engaged position, for example screwed further into the body202, contacting the preload screw 306 and an unengaged position, forexample screwed outward toward the surface of the body 202. When thepreload grub screw 308 is in the engaged position, friction and/ormechanical contact between the preload grub screw 308 and the preloadscrew 306 prevents the preload screw 306 from rotating. When the preloadgrub screw 308 is in the unengaged position, the preload screw 306 canbe rotated.

Rail clamp 214 forms a second engagement surface 215 to engage thesecond side of a rail 106. In some implementations, the secondengagement surface is similar in configuration to a shorter portion ofthe above-described first engagement surface 207 a and grips the secondside of a rail 106 in a manner similar to the first engagement surface207 a.

Rotation of the preload screw 306 permits adjustment of the outwardextension of the mounting arm 212 and the rail clamp 214 either in anoutward or inward direction relative to the body 202. This adjustmentprovides a clamping preload to be adjusted between the mounting arm 212,rail clamp 214, and a particular rail 106. The clamping preloadadjustment allows for compensation related to mechanical tolerancevariations between different rails 106 and/or for a setting a desiredclamping/squeezing force between the QD mount 200 and the particularrail 106. For example, adjusting the outward extension of the mountingarm 212 and rail clamp 214 to a more outward position would decrease theclamping preload and a clamping/squeezing force on the particular rail106. Adjusting the outward extension of the mounting arm 212 and railclamp 214 to a more inward position would increase the clamping preloadand the clamping/squeezing force on the particular rail 106.

The mounting arm 212 and rail clamp 214 form a first and second portionof a cam, respectively, configured to support the rail clamp 214 to gripthe rail 106 and clamp the body 202 to the rail 106 when the mountingarm 212 is in a first position (gripped position) and to release therail clamp 214 from gripping the rail 106 when the mounting arm 212 isin the second position (ungripped position). Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B,FIG. 4A is a detailed perspective view 400 a of a mounting arm 212 camsurface 402 a of the example QD mount 200. As shown, the cam surface 402a forms a ramped surface and a flat surface. The flat surface isparallel to the plane forming the base of the ramped surface. FIG. 4B isa detailed perspective view 400 b of a rail clamp cam surface 402 b androtation prohibiting surface 408 b of the example QD mount 200. Asshown, the rail clamp cam surface 402 b forms a ramped surface along theperimeter of a hole formed in the rail clamp 214. The hole receives thepivot shaft 213 and the pivot shaft 213 turns within the hole. The flatsurface of cam surface 402 a engages with the rail clamp cam surface 402b. In other implementations, the ramped surface of cam surface 402 a canengage the rail clamp cam surface 402 b. In still other implementations,both the ramped surface and the flat surface of cam surface 402 a canengage the rail clamp cam surface 402 b. As the mounting arm 212 isrotated toward the first position (indicated by 406 b), the flat surfaceof cam surface 402 a slides along rail clamp cam surface 402 b from 404b to 406 b (lower ramp surface to higher ramp surface of the rail clampcam surface 402 b), forces the rail clamp 214 to travel along the axisof the pivot shaft 213 inwardly relative to the rail clamp bias spring304 bias. The inward movement of the rail clamp 214 compresses the railclamp bias spring 304 and squeezes the rail clamp 214 second engagementsurface 215 against the second side of a rail 106 to grip the secondside of the rail 106. Rotating the mounting arm 212 toward the secondposition (indicated by 404 b) allows the rail clamp to travel outwardlyalong the pivot shaft 213 axis relative to the bias of the rail clampbias spring 304. The outward movement of the rail clamp 214 allows therail clamp bias spring 304 to decompress. The outward movement of therail clamp 214 releases the rail clamp 214 second engagement surface 215grip on the second side of the rail 106 permitting the QD mount 200 tobe unclamped from the rail 106.

The rotation prohibiting surface 408 b of FIG. 4B is adapted to prohibitthe mounting arm 212 from rotating beyond an endpoint defined by atleast the second position (indicated by 404 b). If the mounting arm 212is rotated so that the cam surface 402 a slides back toward 404 b,surface 404 a will engage the shelf formed by rotation prohibitingsurface 408 b and prohibit the mounting arm 212 from continuing torotate past the position defined by 404 b. In some implementations,surface 404 b is perpendicular to the flat surface of cam surface 402 a.In some implementations, a surface (or equivalent structure) (notillustrated) can be formed into the ramped surface of cam surface 402 ato engage rotation prohibiting surface 408 b at position 406 b toprevent the mounting arm 212 from rotating past the first position. Insome implementations, the rotation prohibiting surface 408 b can beomitted.

Returning to FIG. 3, the interlock assembly includes a button 216, aninterlock bias spring 312, and an interlock set screw 314. The interlockset screw 314 is shown as threaded on one end. The interlock set screwhole (indicated with dashed witness line) receives the interlock setscrew 314. The interlock set screw hole is formed through the body 202.The button 216 is configured with a threaded hole adapted to be screwedonto the interlock set screw 314 threads. The interlock assembly hole316 receives the button 216. The interlock bias spring 312 provides anoutward spring bias to the button 216. In some implementations, theinterlock bias spring 312 is captured by the interlock set screw 314between the button and the floor of the interlock assembly hole 316. Inother implementations, an indentation, cutout, or other structure isformed in the button 216 and/or the interlock assembly hole 316 toseparately capture the interlock bias spring 312. In the implementationwhere the spring is captured apart from the interlock set screw 314, theseparately captured interlock bias spring 312 can serve to preventrotation of the button 216. This can be useful in instances where asurface of the button 216 is configured, as described above in relationto FIG. 2, to allow the mounting arm 212 to automatically compress thebutton 216 when rotated into the first position. In the implementationwhere the interlock bias spring 312 is captured by the interlock setscrew 314, the interlock assembly hole 316 can limit the interlock biasspring 312 from traveling along the interlock set screw 314 into thebody 202. For example, a hole for the interlock set screw 314 formed inthe interlock assembly hole 316 can be configured to conform to theinterlock set screw 314. The interlock assembly hole 316 can receive theinterlock bias spring 312 captured by the interlock set screw 314 shaftand prevent the interlock bias spring 312 from travelling along theinterlock set screw 314 shaft beyond the formed hole for the interlockset screw 314. In the implantation, where the interlock bias spring 312is captured by the interlock set screw 314, a groove/channel can beformed into the button 216 to engage with a protrusion (not illustrated)associated with the interlock assembly hole 316 to prevent rotation ofthe button 216. The protrusion can be either integrally formed as partof the interlock assembly hole 316 or created, for example the body 202can receive a pin, screw, or other structure into the interlock assemblyhole. For example, a hole formed in the second wall perpendicular to theinterlock set screw 314 shaft axis can receive a roll pin that engages achannel formed into the button 216.

Rotating the interlock set screw adjusts the outward extension of thebutton 216 from the body 202. A greater outward extension increases thedistance/effort needed to depress the button 216 and to rotate themounting arm 212, whereas a lesser outward extension decreases thedistance/effort needed to depress the button 216 to allow the mountingarm 212 to rotate. In some implementations, an interlock grub screw (notillustrated) similar to the preload grub screw 308 described above canbe configured similarly to allow/prohibit the rotation of the interlockset screw 314.

In some implementations, the rail engagement interface is narrower atone end. For example, the endpoints formed by the first engagementsurface 207 a of the first wall 206 a can be formed to be slightlycloser to the second wall than the midpoint of the first engagementsurface 207 a formed by the first wall 206 a. This configurationprovides a stable “tri-point”-type engagement configuration with a rail106.

In FIG. 3, screw holes 210 are shown as countersunk to the surface ofrail engagement interface 204. The countersunk surface permits screwheads to remain at least flush with the surface 205 of rail engagementinterface 204 so as to not interfere with an engagement of a rail 106with the QD mount 200. In some implementations, screw holes 210 can beomitted. In some implementations, an accessory interface can receivescrews to be screwed into holes threaded into the accessory engagementinterface 208. Other methods of attaching an accessory to the QD mount200 will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

FIG. 5A is a side view 500 a of the QD mount 200 with the mounting arm212 in a first (gripping) position. As shown, mounting arm 212 isunderneath and resting against the button 216. In some implementations,it is not necessary for the mounting arm 212 to rest against the button216. The button 216 prevents the mounting arm 212 from being rotatedcounterclockwise past the button 216 without the button 216 beingdepressed far enough to allow the mounting arm 212 to clear the button216.

FIG. 5B is a side view 500 b of the QD mount 200 with the mounting arm212 in a second (released) position. The button 216 prevents themounting arm 212 from being rotated clockwise past the button 216without the button 216 being depressed far enough to allow the mountingarm 212 to clear the button 216. As described above in relation to FIG.2, in some implementations, the illustrated button 216 could have aportion of the “top” edge of the front surface milled away at an angleto allow the mounting arm 212 to be rotated to the first positionwithout a separate positive action to depress the button 216. In thisimplementation, the mounting arm 212 would depress the button 216 as itcontacts the angled surface configured into the button 216 and thebutton would lock into an outward biased position once the mounting arm212 cleared the button 216. Rotation of the mounting arm 212 back to thesecond position would require a positive action to depress the button216 in order to allow the mounting arm 212 to clear the button 216 andto rotate into the second position. Operation of the mounting arm 212and the button 216 is designed to be typically performed with one handallowing for rapid attachment/detachment of the QD mount 200 from a rail106.

FIG. 6A is a bottom view 600 a of the QD mount 200 showing the positionof the rail clamp 214 in relation to the mounting arm 212 in the first(gripping) position. Due to the orientation of the illustrated QD mount200, rail clamp 214 is in a leftward position in relation to themounting arm due to the cam action of mounting arm 212 and the railclamp 214. Here, the second engagement surface 215 is in a position toengage a second side of a rail 106 if engaged with the QD mount 200.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view 600 b of the QD mount 200 showing the positionof the rail clamp 214 in relation to the mounting arm 212 in the second(released) position. Due to the orientation of the illustrated QD mount200, rail clamp 214 is in a rightward position in relation to themounting arm 212 due to the cam action of mounting arm 212 and the railclamp 214. Here, the second engagement surface 215 is in a disengagedposition from a second side of a rail 106 if engaged with the QD mount200.

The foregoing description is provided in the context of one or moreparticular implementations. Various modifications, alterations, andpermutations of the disclosed implementations can be made. For example,although the foregoing QD mount has been described in terms ofattachment to a rail, as will be appreciated by those skilled in theart, the QD mount can be adapted to clamp to any accessory mountingsurface in a manner consistent with this disclosure. In addition, the QDmount can be adapted to provide various accessory engagement interfaceconfigurations with which to engage an accessory. Thus, the presentdisclosure is not intended to be limited only to the described and/orillustrated implementations, but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A quick-detach accessory base mount, comprising:a body comprising: a rail engagement interface defining a channeladapted to receive an accessory rail; a rail clamp carried by the bodyand moveable along a longitudinal axis of a pivot shaft coupled to amounting arm to selectively clamp the body to the accessory rail,wherein the rail clamp is configured with an aperture to receive thepivot shaft, wherein the pivot shaft passes through the aperture on thesame side of the body as the mounting arm to position the rail clampbetween the mounting arm and the body, and wherein the mounting armextends outwardly from the body and is carried to rotate relative to thebody between a first position and a second position; and a camconfigured to support the rail clamp to grip the accessory rail andincluding a first portion defined by the mounting arm and a secondportion defined by the rail clamp, wherein the first portion of the camincludes a first ramped surface adjacent to a flat surface, the flatsurface configured to engage a second ramped surface included as part ofthe second portion and configured along at least a portion of aperimeter of the aperture, the second ramped surface increasing inheight between a portion of the second ramped surface corresponding tothe first position and a portion of the second ramped surfacecorresponding to the second position.
 2. The accessory base mount ofclaim 1, where the second portion of the cam comprises a surfaceconfigured to prohibit rotation of the mounting arm beyond at least onerotational endpoint defined by the first position and the secondposition.
 3. The accessory base mount of claim 1, where the channel isdefined by the body as a first wall and a second wall, the first wallcomprising a first engagement surface adapted to grip a first side ofthe accessory rail and the second wall comprising a resting surfaceadapted to support a portion of a second side of the accessory rail. 4.The accessory base mount of claim 3, where the rail clamp comprises asecond engagement surface adapted to grip the second side of theaccessory rail.
 5. The accessory base mount of claim 1, wherein thechannel is narrower at an end.
 6. The accessory base mount of claim 1,where the rail clamp is springily biased in an ungripped position. 7.The accessory base mount of claim 1, comprising an interlock configuredto selectively restrict rotation of the mounting arm between the firstposition and the second position.
 8. The accessory base mount of claim7, the interlock comprising a depressible interlock button springilybiased to extend outward from the body to a position blocking rotationof the mounting arm between the first position and the second positionand depressible to a position allowing rotation of the mounting armbetween the first position and the second position.
 9. The accessorybase mount of claim 8, comprising an interlock set screw coupled to thedepressible interlock button, the interlock set screw rotatable toadjust the outward extension of the depressible interlock button fromthe body.
 10. The accessory base mount of claim 1, wherein a preloadscrew threaded onto the pivot shaft at the end of the pivot shaft on theopposite side of the body in relation to the mounting arm and the railclamp is rotatable to adjust the outward extension of the mounting armfrom the body and a springily-biased position of the rail clamp.
 11. Theaccessory base mount of claim 10, comprising a preload grub screw, thepreload grub screw rotatable between an engaged position to preventrotation of the preload screw around the pivot shaft and an unengagedposition allowing rotation of the preload screw around the pivot shaft.12. The accessory base mount of claim 1, comprising a slot engagementbar for engaging with a slot configured into the accessory rail toprevent lateral movement of the body along an axis transverse to theslot.
 13. A quick-detach accessory base mount having: a cam thatsupports a rail clamp to grip an accessory rail when a mounting armcoupled with a pivot shaft is in a first position and to release therail clamp when the mounting arm is in a second position, wherein therail clamp is configured with an aperture to receive the pivot shaftwhich passes through the aperture on the same side of a body as themounting arm to position the rail clamp between the mounting arm and thebody, wherein the cam includes a first portion defined by the mountingarm and a second portion defined by the rail clamp, wherein the firstportion of the cam includes a first ramped surface adjacent to a flatsurface, the flat surface configured to engage a second ramped surfaceincluded as part of the second portion and configured along at least aportion of a perimeter of the aperture, the second ramped surfaceincreasing in height between a portion of the second ramped surfacecorresponding to the first position and a portion of the second rampedsurface corresponding to the second position; and a preload screwthreaded onto the pivot shaft at the end of the pivot shaft opposite themounting arm and the rail clamp.
 14. The accessory base mount of claim13 having an interlock that selectively restricts rotation of themounting arm between the first position and the second position.
 15. Theaccessory base mount of claim 13, having a rail engagement interfacethat receives the accessory rail into a channel narrower at one end. 16.The accessory base mount of claim 13, wherein a cam configurationprohibits rotation of the mounting arm beyond rotational endpointsdefined by the first position and the second position.
 17. A method forattaching an accessory to an accessory rail, comprising: generating aclamping preload with respect to the accessory rail using a preloadscrew threaded onto a pivot shaft coupled to a mounting arm, the preloadscrew at the end of the pivot shaft opposite the mounting arm and a railclamp; gripping the accessory rail with the rail clamp supported by acam in response to rotation of the mounting arm to a first position,wherein the rail clamp is configured with an aperture to receive thepivot shaft which passes through the aperture on the same side of a bodyas the mounting arm to position the rail clamp between the mounting armand the body, wherein the cam includes a first portion defined by themounting arm and a second portion defined by the rail clamp, wherein thefirst portion of the cam includes a first ramped surface adjacent to aflat surface, the flat surface configured to engage a second rampedsurface included as part of the second portion and configured along atleast a portion of a perimeter of the aperture, the second rampedsurface increasing in height between a portion of the second rampedsurface corresponding to the first position and a portion of the secondramped surface corresponding to the second position; and releasing therail clamp in response to rotation of the mounting arm to a secondposition.
 18. The method of claim 17, comprising blocking rotation ofthe mounting arm between the first and the second position using aninterlock.
 19. The method of claim 17, comprising receiving theaccessory rail into a rail engagement interface channel narrower at oneend.
 20. The method of claim 17, comprising configuring the cam toprohibit rotation of the mounting arm beyond rotational endpointsdefined by the first position and the second position.